CarPlay & Android Auto

• Device Requirements
  • Android Phone: Requires a device running Android 8.0 (Oreo) or newer
  • System Services: Must have the latest version of Google Play Services installed and maintained
  • App Requirements: Must download and install the Android Auto app from Google Play Store
  • Functionality: All device functions must be in normal working condition
• Vehicle Requirements
  • OEM Support: The vehicle's infotainment system must natively support Android Auto
  • Connection Interface: The vehicle must be equipped with the necessary connection port
  • Model Compatibility: The vehicle must be listed in the "Model Compatibility List" on the Android Auto official website (typically for most models produced after 2016)

You can upgrade the functionality by using an external smart screen or converter box.

• Available Device Types
  • Smart Screen (Display Type): Comes with an independent display, installed on the center console, used as an independent connected system.
  • Smart Box (Adapter Type): No screen module, connects to the car's original display, turning it into a smart connectivity interface.
• Workflow
  • Wireless Connection Setup: The device creates a dedicated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth network, establishing a wireless connection between the phone and the device.
  • Display Transmission: The CarPlay / Android Auto interface is shown on the smart screen or the car's original display (via the smart box).
  • Audio Transmission:
    Bluetooth Audio: Transmitted to the car's audio system.
    Wired Audio: Transmitted via AUX or similar interfaces for more stable sound quality.
    
• General Advantages
  • Wireless Experience: Achieve true wireless CarPlay / Android Auto connection, automatically connecting when getting into the car, with no need for plugging and unplugging cables.
  • Non-destructive Installation: No damage to the car's wiring structure, plug and play, preserving all original car functions.
  • Functionality Integrity: Offers a functionality experience almost identical to the native system, supporting voice control, navigation, media playback, and other core features.

• Navigation
  • CarPlay: Apple Maps, Google Maps, Waze, etc
  • Android Auto: Google Maps, Waze (local navigation apps supported in some regions)
• Audio & Entertainment
  • Music Streaming:
    CarPlay: Apple Music, Spotify, etc
    Android Auto: Spotify, YouTube Music, etc
    
  • Podcasts & Radio: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, etc
    
• Communication
  • Phone: Native phone apps (supports call logs, contacts, voice dialing)
    
  • Messages:
    CarPlay: iMessage, SMS (supports Siri reading and voice reply)
    Android Auto: SMS (supports Google Assistant reading and voice reply)
    
  • Messaging Apps: Some supported third-party messaging apps
    
• In-Car Tools
  • Audiobooks: Audible and other audiobook platforms
  • News & Information: News apps with voice reading support

1. Enter Settings: On iPhone, open "Settings" > "General" > "CarPlay"
2. Select Vehicle: Tap the name of the connected vehicle
3. Customize Interface:
   1. Add/Remove Apps: Tap the "+" or "-" in front of the app icon
      
   2. Adjust Order: Long press the app icon and drag it to the desired position
      
   3. Layout: Some car models support adjusting icon sizes and arrangements
      

1. Open App: Launch the Android Auto app on your phone
2. Enter Settings: Tap the settings icon in the top-right corner
3. Customize Options:
   1. App Management: Manage displayed apps in the "Custom Launcher"
      
   2. Interface Adjustment: Set the order and grouping of apps on the home screen
      
   3. Notification Control: Manage how app notifications are displayed while driving
      

No, it won't interrupt. Both platforms have advanced audio management functions that automatically lower the music volume when navigation instructions are spoken, and restore it after the instructions are finished. The process is smooth and natural, with no need for manual intervention.

CarPlay / Android Auto itself does not consume much data, but the specific data usage depends on the apps you are using.

• Platform itself: The process of projecting your phone's interface to the car's infotainment system does not consume cellular data, as it mainly uses Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for local data transmission.
• Apps: Data consumption comes from the apps you use on the infotainment system. For example:
  • Online Navigation (such as using real-time traffic): Will consume a small amount of data continuously.
  • Streaming Music / Podcasts (such as Spotify, Apple Music): Data usage is the same as using it directly on your phone.
  • Voice Assistant Queries Online (such as asking for weather or news): Will generate a small data request.
• Tips for saving data:
  • Navigation: Download offline maps in a Wi-Fi environment beforehand.
  • Music: Download playlists or albums for offline playback in a Wi-Fi environment.
  • Settings: You can limit cellular data usage for specific apps in your phone's settings.

No. Both platforms are designed with privacy and security as core principles, with strict data access restrictions.

• Vehicle's access to data is very limited:
  • The vehicle can only access and display specific information you explicitly authorize during the initial connection. For example, you need to authorize access to your contacts for using phone and messaging functions; for music playback, you need to authorize access to your media library.
  • The vehicle absolutely cannot browse your SMS, emails, photos, social media chat logs, health data, or any other personal files.
  • It cannot read your vehicle's driving data (e.g., speed, fuel consumption), location history, or control systems.
• Data processing occurs on your phone:
  • All app calculations, operations, and data storage happen locally on your phone. The vehicle is essentially a "display" and "remote control" that receives commands and visuals from your phone.
• The connection is encrypted:
  • The wireless connection between your phone and the vehicle is typically encrypted to prevent data interception during transmission.
• You can control it at any time
  • In your phone's settings (e.g., iPhone's "CarPlay" settings or Android's "Android Auto" settings), you can manage connected car devices, check their permissions, and choose to "remove" the vehicle to revoke all access.

1. The first step is to reset the connection and re-pair.
   1. For CarPlay users: Go to iPhone "Settings" > "General" > "CarPlay", find your vehicle's name, tap the ⓘ icon on the right, and select "Forget This Car". Then reconnect your phone to the vehicle.
      
   2. For Android Auto users: Go to your phone's "Settings" > "Connected Devices" or the Android Auto app settings, find your vehicle, and select "Unpair" or "Forget". Then restart the connection process.
      
2. Check for updates on both the vehicle and phone.
   1. Check for vehicle updates:Visit your car manufacturer's website or contact the dealer to check for firmware (software) updates for the car system that support new phone systems. Many manufacturers release compatibility patches after a major phone system update.
      
   2. Update relevant apps:Make sure that the "Android Auto" app on your phone and "Google Play Services" (for Android users) are updated to the latest version.
      
   3. Check for official announcements:Follow Apple / Google and car manufacturers' websites for technical support announcements to stay informed about known compatibility issues and solutions.
      
3. Check if your third-party devices have available firmware upgrades.
   1. Visit the device's website:Go to the brand's official website for the smart screen or converter box you purchased or contact customer service.
      
   2. Look for firmware updates:Find the latest firmware for your device model on the support page and follow the instructions to upgrade. Device manufacturers usually continue to improve compatibility with new phone systems.
      
   3. Factory reset:If issues persist after upgrading, you can try performing a "Factory Reset" in the device's settings and then re-pair the device.